Gowen Field, Idaho - family in Pocatello experienced what they are calling, “Extreme Home Makeover: Army Edition,” recently after several months of trying to get their homeowner’s insurance to cover water damage from a flood in their basement.
Kaya Evans, the wife of deployed soldier, Sgt. Richard Evans—assigned to the 116th Calvary Brigade Combat Team—contacted the local Idaho National Guard Family Assistance Center in Pocatello after frustrating results from their insurance company, and an attorney’s review suggesting she did not have legal grounds to pursue insurance damages. Evans didn’t know where else to turn, and hoped Family Support would have some advice for her.
Hiedi Young, the family assistance center specialist working with Evans, knew she had to find help for this mother of two.
“They had severe water damage to their basement. It was so extensive that the children’s room had been overcome by mold and they were sleeping in the laundry room,” said Young.
Young contacted Bonnie Anderson, a local volunteer with Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, and an employee at CH2M*WG Idaho, also called CWI.
“CWI had a military support fund because they wanted to help a deployed soldier if a need came up. They were hoping for a big project, and I thought this could be the perfect opportunity,” said Young.
Seeking assistance with the large undertaking, Anderson contacted two military-friendly companies she knew of, Premier Technology and DeWall Construction. They were eager to help, and agreed to meet Young and Anderson at the Evans’ home to view the damage and create a plan for repairs.
Anderson procured a five-thousand dollar grant from Home Depot, and volunteers were lined up to work. Employees from CWI, Premier Technology, DeWall Construction and three other local companies partnered with members of the National Guard and POW*MIA Awareness Association. Approximately 60 people volunteered more than 600 hours, working weekends for six weeks to accomplish the project.
“I’ll never forget that day,” said Evans. “This huge group of volunteers showed up. . . . It’s just amazing the kind of support we had,” she said, apologizing for crying as she told the story.
“I can’t help it,” she said. “It was such a difficult time for us, and I was so touched by everything they did.”
To repair the water-damaged areas, an exterior trench was dug and protective lining was installed around the house to prevent future water damage, window wells were installed on all basement windows, bedroom walls were removed and anti-molding agent was applied. A new cement block wall was built where foundation was crumbling, and new drywall and carpet were installed. They also painted the walls.
Because of Home Depot’s generous donation, there was money left to take care of additional repairs and maintenance that was desperately needed in the home. Volunteers made improvements in the bathroom; installing a new toilet, floor, and vanity, and repairing the shower and bathtub area. Kitchen cabinets and the garage roof were repaired, and the old, glass back door was replaced with a solid, secure door and storm door. Volunteers also installed a flag pole and improved landscaping in the front yard.
CWI employees donated a new couch, dressers for the children, the window wells, and two nights at a hotel for the family during construction.
According to Evans, Anderson, who coordinated most of the project, is “like a fairy godmother.”
“She’s been here for me so much that our two little ones call her ‘Grandma Bonnie.’ She took us under her wings and has gone above and beyond.”
“My husband is so grateful. A huge weight was lifted off of him. We both feel like we could never repay what was given to us. We will remember this for the rest of our lives, and we just hope for an opportunity to do something like this for someone else in the future,” said Evans.
Sgt. Evans deployed with his unit in September last year to Joint Base Balad, in Iraq. The unit is expected to return home in September.
By Maj. Candis Olmstead
JFHQ-ID
All pictures were taken by Kaya Evans. |